Sliding-action, multiple-contact, multiple-initial-condition relay



pm i6, 1968 D. A. cAPUTo SLIDING-ACTION, MULTIPLE-CONTACT,MULTIPLE-INITIAL-CONDITION RELAY 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed July 25, 1966Apri i6, 1968 D. A. CAPUTO 3,378,797

SLIDING-ACTION, MULTIPLE-CONTACT, MULTIPLE-INITIALCONDITION RELAY FiledJuly 25, 1966 2 sheets-sheet a J f/ /zm /0061 f4@ 56A@ fm /42 #5a/M4 j/eja 9M gaa/@Zay 1044 I y (MZ (M8 *'16 /A/l/fA/m/e. A/vrf A. (ApureUnited States Patent C) 3,378,797 SLIDING ACTION, MULTIPLE CONTACT,MULTllPLE-lNltTIAL-CONDITION RELAY Dante A. Caputo, Los Angeles, Calif.(8129 Greenbush Ave., Van Nuys, Calif. 91402) lliled July 25, 1966, Ser.No. 567,780 l Claims. (Cl. 335-72) Generally speaking, the presentinvention relates to the relay art and, more particularly, to asliding-action, multiple-contact, multiple-initial-condition relayincluding initial-condition-selecting means (in one preferred form,electrically energizable motor means, although not so limited in allforms) .for selecting and adjusting the initial relative positioning ofmultiple first and second electrical contact means of the relay, usuallyat times other than during normal operation and energization of therelay for relative movement of first and second electrical contact meansfrom such a preselected initial condition to a different temporaryrelationship normally existing only during operation of an electricallyenergizable main operating motor means `also comprising a part of therelay.

When the above-mentioned multiple-initial-condition selecting means hasadjusted the relationship of said first and second electrical contactmeans into one selected position, any desired number of the multiplecontacts may be arranged to be normally open except when the mainoperating motor means is energized, normally closed except when saidmain operating m-otor means is energized, normally open under eithercondition, normally closed under either condition, or any combinationthereof.

It should be noted that certain of the contacts may be arranged to be inelectrical engagement when the main operating motor means is energizedor de-energized while 'at the same time others of the contacts may beconnected or disconnected when said main operating motor is energized oris de-energized, respectively, or vice versa. In other words, variouspermutations and combinations of interconnections of the multiplecontacts, and/or various circuit elements which may be connectedthereto, are contemplated with the above-mentionedmultiple-initialcondition selecting means in only one of its possiblealternate positions.

Therefore, it will readily be understood that the possible permutationsand combinations of interconnections of the multiple contacts aregreatly increased in accordance with the number 4of different multipleinitial conditions of the first and second electrical contact meanspermitted by the multiple-initial condition selecting motor means, whichmay, in a broad sense, be said to have the effect of making one relayequivalent to two or more different relays, each having differentinitial closure conditions of the first and second electrical contactmeans, which can be achieved in a single relay of the present inventionby merely causing operation of the multiple-initial-condition selectingmeans so as to bring about an initial change-ofclosure condition of thevarious contacts of the first and second electrical contact means beforethe relay is operated in a conventional manner by the main operatingmotor means thereof.

The type of relative movement provided by the multiple-initial-conditionselecting motor means lreferred to above for changing the initialclosure condition of the multiple contacts of the first and secondelectrical contact means of the relay prior to conventional operation ofthe relay by energization of the main operating means, may be atranslatory or rectilinear movement or may be a rotary movement orotherwise-in fact, any type of relative movement which changes theinitial relationships of first and second electrical contact means priorto normal operation and relative movement thereof by the main op- FCiceerating motor means may be employed within the broad scope of thepresent invention.

Applicants co-pending application, Ser. No. 567,698, filed concurrentlyherewith, broadly claims all such structures within the broad scope ofthe generic invention as just broadly defined above and specificallydiscloses and specifically claims certain exemplary and representativebut non-specifically-limiting forms of the invention wherein themultiple-initial-condition selecting motor means produces a translatoryor rectilinear relative movement of the first or second electricalcontact means with respect to the second or first electrical contactmeans, or vice versa. The present application specifically discloses andclaims certain exemplary but non-specifically-limiting forms of theinvention wherein the above-mentioned-multiple-initial-conditionselecting motor means produces a rotative relative movement of the firstor second electrical contact means with respect to the second or firstelectrical contact means7 or vice versa.

Thus, it will be understood that irrespective of what type ofinitial-condition-selecting movement is produced by themultiple-initial-condition selecting motor means, it has the effect ofchanging into la desired relationship the positionings of the firstelectrical contact means with respect to the second electrical conta-ctmeans and is com pletely independent of the subsequent main operatingmovement of either said first or said second electrical contact meansproduced by energization of the main operating motor means of the relay.

Additionally, it should be noted that the above-mentioned main operatingmotor means of the relay is not limited to one such main operating motormeans such as one solenoid, for example, but, if desired, two opposedmain operating motor means may be employed for sliding certain of themultiple contacts of the relay in either of two directions during themain operating energization of the relay for appropriate connection ordisconnection of various of the contacts with respect to otherstationary one-s of said electrical contacts and, if desired, centeringor opposing biasing spring means may comprise a portion of the mainoperating motor means. Also, in forms of the relay wherein only oneelectrically energizable solenoid, or the like, is employed as part ofthe main operating motor means, and an opposing biasing spring meanseffectively comprising a return spring is also employed, it may be saidto comprise a portion of said main operating motor Imeans since itproduces 'a portion of the main operating movement.

Additionally, if desired, various types of latching means may beemployed in connection with either the main operating movement or themultiple-initial-condition-selecting movement of the means mountingeither the first or second electrical contact means for holding same inany adjusted position produced by operation of the corresponding motormeans until subsequent release thereof.

lt will be understood that the various forms of the present invention,as briefly outlined above, produce an extremely flexible type of relaycapable of providing a great variety of different types of circuitinterconnections in one relay, and, thus, comprises a relay which lendsitself exteremely well to multiple control purposes such as in eitherpre-programmed, tape-operated or remotely operated control systems formissiles or aircraft having multiple control elements such as attitudeand orientation thrusters, rockets, jets, or the like, or controlsurfaces such as ailerons, rudders, elevators, and the like, in the caseof an aircraft adapted to fly in atmosphere, so that information can befed into various control circuits to operate various control elements inan appropriate manner for maintaining a desired course of travel. Theinformation fed into such control circuits, as previously mentioned, maybe programmed information prerecorded on suitable recorded media andsupplied to the control system at the proper time rate corresponding tothe travel and flight path of the missile or aircrait, or may beinformation derived from sensors sensing the location, attitude,orientation, position, etc., of the missile or aircraft at any giveninstant and compared with the preprogrammed or intended location,attitude, orientation, position, etc., of the missile or aircraft sothat the measured error therebetween can operate through the controlcircuits for bringing about appropriate operation of correctivethrustcrs, rockets, jets, or aircraft control elements or means to bringthe missile or aircraft back onto the direct path of travel. Also,information may be remotely supplied to the aircrafts or missilescontrol circuits to bring about appropriate operation of the controlelements thereof whereby to bring about a desired flight path of themissile or aircraft. Since multiple switching operations will berequired in such a control circuit, it will readily be understood thatthe novel multiple-initial-condition relay of the present inventionlends itself very advantageously to use in such control circuits forbringing about the great variety of different switching operationsrequired therein.

It should also be noted that the novel multiple-initialcondition relayof the present invention lends itself ideally to use in an electricalpower distribution and/or transmission system such as is employed forsupplying large amounts of electrical energy to cities, factories,homes, and the like, since excessive demand in such a system may causeone or more circuit breakers to be thrown, or one or more generators tobe overloaded, or some other equivalent type of temporary overload tooccur in one or more circuit elements of such a power distribution andtransmission system, with the consequent complete failure and breakdownof the distribution function thereof with respect to certain areas,which may be extremely inconvient or even dangerous in some certaincircumstances. It will be understood that one means for providingadequate overload protection for such system would be to provide for aplurality of stand-by overload circuits and/or generators or otherpower-supplying means arranged to be added to or substracted from themain system in response to powed demand, and that power-demand sensingmeans can be employed for operating a multiple-initial-condition relayin accordance with the principles of the present invention (althoughpreferably of an extremely heavy-duty type) for automaticallyelectrically connecting to (or disconnecting from) the main power systemone or more such additional power-supplying circuits or generators asneeded.

Also, it should be noted that various sequencing apparatuses andequipment, wherein an initial triggering operation produces a sequenceof subsequent operations in a predetermined sequential and usually timedrelationship are needed with greater and greater frequency in moderncomplex automated and/ or electronic equipment. For example, thepredetermined sequential ring of a plurality of rockets or otherprojectiles, or the like, in a predetermined sequential (and usuallytimed) relationship after the firing of an initial rocket, is ofconsiderable military importance and, for another example taken from theindustrial field, consider the programmed performance of a series ofdilferent machine operations in accordance with a specitication ordrawing to produce a nal machined part. This usually involves a timedsequence of operations analogous in a way to the timed sequential firingof the rockets referred to in the military example mentioned above. Ineither case, the novel mutiple-initialcondition relay of the presentinvention lends itself very advantageously to use in such a systembecause of the multiplicity of switching interconnection arrangementsmade possible by the novel multiple-initial-condition relay of thepresent invention.

The present invention is an improvement over applicants earlierinvention as set forth in U.S. Patent No. 3,246,161, and it should benoted that any of the various relay structures shown in said patent maybe improved in accordance with the teachings of the present invention soas to include multiple-initial-condition selecting means of any of thevarious types referred to hereinabove, and all such improved compositestructural arrangements are intended to be included and comprehendedherein as fully as if described and illustrated in very specific andvary particularized detail.

It should be noted that the novel relay of the present invention isparticularly advantageous from the standpoint of minimizing arcing andpitting of the multiple contacts thereof because of the novel slidingengagement and disengagement cooperation of said contacts.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the novel relay of the presentinvention is highly advantageous for use under environmental conditionswhich might undesirably affect conventional relays. For example, thenovel relay of the present invention, in one exemplary form, maycomprise a closed structure and, therefore, variations in atmosphericpressure will have little effect upon the action of the relay. Also,undesirable arcing (and consequent pitting) of the contacts will notoccur at low atmospheric pressures as frequently ocurs in conventionalprior art relays when operated under low atmospheric pressureconditions. lf desired, the relay can comprise a completelysealedstructure having an optimum interior pressure and, in some cases, may beinteriorly provided with an inert gas and, under such conditions,virtually no arcing or pitting of any sort will occur irrespective ofenvironmental conditions.

Furthermore, the novel relay of the present invention, when properlyoriented, is relatively non-subject to vibration and accelerationforces-that is, false operation of the relay will not occur under suchconditions as frequently occurs under such conditions with anyconventional prior art relays.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novelmultiple-contact relay of a cultiple-initial-condition selection type ofthe character referred to herein which includes any or all of thefeatures referred to herein, generically and/or specifically, eitherindividually or in combination, and which is of simple, inexpensiveconstruction adapted for ready mass manufacture at a relatively low costper unit and which is extremely versatile and flexible in use, wherebyto be conducive to widespread production, distribution, and use of theinvention for any or all of the purposes outlined herein or for otherrelay-switching purposes.

` Further objects are implicit in the -detailed description whichfollows hereinafter (which is to he considered as exemplary of, but notspecifically limiting, the present invention), and said objects will beapparent to persons skilled in the art after .a careful study of thedetailed de- -scription which follows hereinafter.

For the purpose of clarifying the nature of the present invention,several exemplary embodiments thereof are illustrated in thehereinbelow-described figures of the acq companying two sheets ofdrawings and are described in detail hereinafter.

FIG. l is a central plane, longitudinal View taken substantially alongthe plane indicated by the arrows 1-'1 of FIG. 3 and is partly insection and partly in elevation. This View shows one exemplaryembodiment of the invention wherein a first contact mounting portion isof generally hollow cylindrical annular shape surrounding a secondcon-tact mounting portion which is of generally cylindrical shape andwherein the initial-condition-selecting motor means is arranged torotate said rst contact mounting outer portion or means rotativelyaround the second contact mounting inner portion or means for changingan initial contact closure condition, and wherein the second contactmounting portion or means may be said to comprise a plunger adapted tobe longitudinally shifted by -a main operating motor. In this view oneinitial condition of the first and second electrical 4contact means isshown and the main operating motor is shown in deenergized relationship.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the planeindicated by the arrows 2--2 of FIG. l, with certain po-rtions of theapparatus behind the plane of the View removed for reasons of drawingsimplifica tion and clarity.

IFIG. 3 is a fragmentary view similar to the central portion of FIG. 2,but shows the rotative displacement of the first contact mounting meansfrom the first initial counter-clockwise extreme position of FIGS. 1, 2,and 4 into a 90-degree clockwise displaced second clockwise extremeinitial condition.

FIG 4 is another cross-sectional view taken substantially along theplane indicated by the arrows 4-4 of FIG. 1 and with theinitial-condition-selecting motor means broken away from the drive shaftthereof and not shown for drawing space-saving reasons.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but illustrates a modified form ofthe invention wherein the centrally positioned plunger, or secondcontact mounting portion or means, is the one which is adapted to beinitially rotated by the initial-condition-selecting motor means forchang* ing the initial condition of contact closure of the relay whenthe main operating motor means is -de-energized, as is shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a View taken substantially along the plane indicated by thearrows 6 6 of FIG. 5.

lFIG. 7 is a fragmentary View similar to the central portion of FIG. 6but shows the rotative displacement of the central plunger, comprisingthe second contact mounting means from the second initial condition ofFIGS. 5 and 6 (indicated in phantom in FIG. 7) into a 90degreecounter-clockwise -displaced first initial condition, as shown in solidlines in FIG. 6.

=FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view taken substantially along the planeindicated by the arrows 8--8` of FIG. 5, but with theinitial-condition-selecting motor means broken away at an intermediateportion of the drive shaft thereof for drawing space-saving reasons.

One exemplary first embodiment of the invention is i1- lustrated inFIGS. 1 4 and may be said to comprise a first contact mounting means orportion, indicated generally at 20, which may be said to comprise lagenerally cylindrically-shaped centrally hollow annular member ofplastic or other type of insulating material Z2 which has circular endflanges 24 longitudinally spaced apart and separated by an outer annularrecess 26 primarily for the purpose of lightening the structure, `andwith said t circular end flanges 24 being provided with O-rings 28positioned between the outer circular periphery 3f) of each of saidcircular iian ges 24 and the corresponding inside surface 32 of thecircular outer housing wall 34 0f ythe housing generally indicated bylthe reference numeral 36.

The structure just defined mounts the complete first contact mountingmeans 20 in an axially and longitudinally centralized position withincylindrical side wall 34 and the longitudinally spaced circulardisc-shaped end walls 138 of the cylindrical housing means 36 in lamanner which allows said first Contact mounting means 2li to be readilyrotated relative to the housing 36 around the longitudinal commoncentral axis thereof.

The first contact mounting means or portion 2i) also has a cylindrical,centrally-positioned, longitudinal through aperture or bore 40 extendingtherethrough from end to end and adapted to longitudinally slidablyreceive and mount therein a second Contact mounting means or portion,such as is generally designated -by the reference numeral 412, which, inthe example illustrated, is shown as comprising a longitudinalcylindrical member made of plastic or other electrical insulatingmaterial '44 provided 6 With a left end shaft 46 and a right end shaft43. each slidably mounted in a closely-tting correspondinglyshapedaperture or hole 50 and 52, respectively, in the left housing end wall38 and the right housing end wall 38, respectively.

It should be noted that various means may be provided for causing thesecond contact mounting means 42 and the shafts 46 and dit thereof to befreely longitudinally movable relative to the housing 36, but to benon-rotatable around the longitudinal axis thereof. In the exampleillustrated, this comprises key means S4 on the left shaft 46cooperating with a corresponding key slot means 56 in the left end wall38 of the housing 36. However, as pointed out above, various other key,spline, or rotativemovement-immobilizing means may be employed in lieuthereof.

In the exemplary first form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-4,the first contact mounting means or portion, indicated generally at 20,is provided with rst electrical conta-ct means comprising a first set oftwo longitudinally aligned electrical contact members 58A and a secondset of two longitudinally aligned electrical contact members 58Bdisplaced rotatively substantially 90 degrees around the inside surafce6d of the first contact mounting means 26 from the first set of twoelectrical contact members 53A and also in the example illustrated,longitudinally displaced therefrom a distance equal to the normaloperating stroke of the second contact mounting means 42, which may besaid to comprise the plunger of the complete relay adapted to `beoperated when the main operating motor means, generally designated bythe reference numeral 62, is electrically energized ywhereby to move theplunger, or second contact mounting means 42, from the solid-lineposition thereof shown in FIG. 1 leftwardly toward the leftward extremeposition shown in phantom lines in FIG. l.

Said four electrical contact members 58A and 58B are generallydesignated by the reference numeral 5S and are embedded within theplastic or electrical insulating material 22 of the first contactmounting means 20 at the inner face junction thereof comprising theinner surface 60 thereof immediately around the longitudinal centralbore or aperture 40 longitudinally extending therethrough and arepositioned for opposition to and electrical engagement with either oftwo radially outwardly projecting electrical contacts 64, which may besaid to comprise second electrical contact means, carried by said secondcontact mounting means or plunger 42, and positioned for normalelectrical engagement with the corresponding first electrical contactmeans 58A when the plunger 42 is in the rightward extreme positioncorresponding to de-energization of the main operating motor means 62and when the first contact mounting means 20 is in the first initialcondition or position (of two QO-degree rotatively displaced differentinitial conditions or positions which may be selected by a user of thedevice).

In the exemplary first form of the invention illustrated, each of thepreviously-mentioned contacts of the first electrical contact means 58is provided with electrically conductive effective lead means, such asindicated at 66, passing leftwardly therealong to the left end of thefirst contact mounting means 20 and there being individually connectedto a corresponding projecting electrically conductive wiping electricalContact member 63, which is positioned in longitudinal electricalengagement with a corresponding one of four radially differently sizedand concentric electrically conductive slip rings mounted on the insidesurface of the left end wall 38 of the housing 36 and individuallyprovided with four exterior electrically conductive leads '72, which maybe connected in any suitable manner to various desired exterior circuitelements (not shown) for various different types of control purposes.

I desired, the wiping electrical contacts 68 and engaged slip rings '70may be eliminated and the electrically conductive lead means 66 mayextend leftwardly from the end of the first contact mounting means andmay each `be provided with a flexible excess-length portion of wire (orresilient electrically conductive elements such as Phosphor bronze, orthe like, for example) positioned within the housing 36 -between theleft end wall 38 thereof and the left end of the first contact mountingmeans 20 so that the excess length of each of said electricallyconductive lead means 66 within the housing 36 will permit the desired90-degree rotative displacement of the iirst contact mounting means 20from the first initial condition or position shown in solid lines inFIG. 1 to the second initial condition and position thereof, whichmerely comprises a 90-degree clockwise rotation of said outer positionedfirst contact mounting means 20 from the counter-clockwise extremeposition shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, to the clockwise extreme positionshown in FIG. 3, thus making it possible for the outer or exterior leads72 to be solidly and non-movably mounted with respect to the left endwall 38 of the housing 36.

Each of the contacts 64 comprising the second electrical contact means,also designated by the reference numeral 64, is provided withelectrically conductive lead means for providing a desired type ofinterconnection of said contacts 64, the contacts 58A and/or thecontacts 58B. In the exemplary first form of the invention illustrated,said electrical lead means is designated by the reference numeral 74,and it will be noted that it is embedded Within the plastic insulatingmaterial 44 of the second electrical contact mounting means comprisingthe plunger 42 and connects the first and second electrical contacts 64to each other. However, this arrangement, the number of said contacts64, and various other types of possible interconnections thereof, alllie within the broad scope of the present invention, and the specificarrangement illustrated in lFIG. 1 is not to be construed as limitingthe invention thereto.

It should be noted that, in the exemplary first form of the inventionillustrated, the two contacts comprising the second electiical contactmeans 64 are positioned so as to be capable of being in electricalengagement with the two longitudinal contacts 58A of the rst electricalcontact means 58, in the manner clearly shown in FIG. 1, when the mainrelay-operating motor means 62 is deenergized as it is in FIG. 1, and soas to be capable of being moved into electrical relative disengagementwhen said main operating motor means 62 is energized so as to move thesecond contact mounting means or plunger 42 from its rightward extremesolid-line position shown in FIG. 1 into its leftward extreme,fully-operated position as shown in phantom in FIG. l. Of course, theabove is only true when the rst contact mounting means or portion 20remains in the counter-clockwise extreme initial condition or positionshown in solid lines in FIGS. 1 and 2 (best shown in FIG. 2), which isthe condition of the apparatus during the initial description thereofuntil I note hereinafter a change of initial condition of said firstmounting means or portion 20.

The main operating motor means 62, generally referred to above,comprises a translatory type of electrically energizable motor meansadapted to produce translatory movement of the second contact mountingmeans or plunger 42 from its normal de-energized rightward extremeposition shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 into its energized leftwardextreme position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1.

In the example illustrated, said electrically energizable translatorymain operating motor means 62 comprises a solenoid means, generallydesignated by the reference numeral 76, including a solenoid coil 78mounted on an annular ferromagnetic armature 84, which is normallymaintained by an opposed biasing coil compression spring means 8S in therightward extreme position shown clearly in solid lines in FIG. 1.

The solenoid coil 78 has input leads 86 connected to input terminals 88adapted to controllably apply thereto various different types ofelectrical energy, either from a local source and under local control,or from a local source and under remote control, or any combination ofsuch arrangements, whereby to cause energization of the relay coil 78and to attract the ferromagnetic armature 84 toward the left as far asit may travel, which, of course, causes the spring abutment member 90 tocompress the biasing coil compression spring 85 against thecorresponding part of the right end Wall 38 of the housing 36. It willbe understood that whenever the supply of electrical energy to the inputterminals 88 is interrupted (in any desired manner, either under localor remote control), the relay coil 78 will be de-energized and thebiasing spring 85 will cause movement of the ferro-magnetic armature 84toward the right into its normal position shown in solid lines in FIG.l. Incidentally, it should be noted that the spring abutment member 90is made of a non-ferromagnetic material so as to not -be affected by themagnetic field produced by the solenoid 76.

It will be noted that the armature shaft 82 is connected by a pin 92 toa second shaft 94 which extends through the hole 52 in the right endwall 38 of the housing 36 and into fastening engagement with respect tothe right end of the previously-mentioned second contact mounting meansor plunger 42 at the location indicated by the reference numeral 95.

As previously mentioned, the O-rings 28 rotatively mount the rst Contactmounting means 20 for rotation between the first counterclockwiseextreme initial condition or position thereof as shown in FIGS. l, 2,and 4, and the second clockwise extreme initial condition and positionthereof as shown in fragmentary form in FIG. 3-said movement beingaccomplished by the initial-condition-selecting motor means generallydesignated by the reference numeral 96, which will be describedhereinbelow.

The exemplary first initial-condition-selecting motor means 96 is of arotative reversible movement type comprising a reversible electric motor98 adapted to rotate in either of two directions a worm 100 of arotative movement actuator means, such as is generally designated at102, which effectively comprises the worm 100 just mentioned and theengaged worm gear or worm wheel 104 exteriorly carried by the right endof the first contact mounting means 20.

Thus, it will be understood that when the motor 98 is energized in onedirection of rotation, by operation of the snap-action switch meansgenerally designated at 106 of the control electric circuit meansgenerally designated at 108, the rotation of the worm 100 in thatdirection will cause the worm gear or worm wheel 104 and the firstcontact mounting means 20 attached thereto to rotate in either aclockwise direction toward the second clockwise extreme initialcondition or position shown in FIG. 3 or in the oppositecounter-clockwise direction toward the counter-clockwise extreme initialcondition or position shown in FIGS. l, 2, and 4.

If we assume that the snap-action switch 106 is operated from theposition shown in FIG. 1, where it connects the upper power inputterminal 88 to the upper parallel switching lead 110, to its alternateposition where it connects said upper power input terminal 88 to theother lower parallel switching lead 112, it will be noted that thesnap-action microswitch, generally designated at 114, is already in aposition such as to connect the newly-powered switching lead 112, bylead 113 to the terminal 116 of the motor 98. This will cause the motor98 to be energized in a direction such as to rotate the worm 100 in aclockwise direction as one looks axially therealong toward the left asviewed in FIG. 4, which will, of course, tend to rotate the worm gear orwheel 104 and the first Contact mounting means 2t) in a clockwisedirection from the counter-clockwise extreme position shown in FIGS. l,2, and 4, toward the clockwise extreme condition and position thereofshown in fragmentary form in FIG. 3,-until such time as the limit switchactuating pin strikes the switch-actuating element 120 of thepreviously-mentioned snap-action microswitch 114 and causes the interiorswitch element thereof, shown in broken lines at 122, to move from theleft position illustrated in FIG. 4 into a right position where itconnects to the other parallel switching circuit 11i). In other words,it breaks the connection between the powered switching circuit 112 andthe motor terminal 116 and, therefore, immediately stops furtherrotation of the motor 9S in a manner such as to stop the clockwiserotation of the worm gear and wheel 104 and the first contact mountingmeans 20 in the extreme clockwise position shown in fragmentary form inFIG. 3.

When an operator wishes to return the first contact mounting means 20from its clockwise extreme initial condition shown in FIG. 3 to itsfirst counter-clockwise extreme initial condition such as is shown inFIGS. l, 2, and 4, he manually operates the other snap-action switch124, which then effectively connects the lupper power input terminal 88to the parallel switching circuit 126, which connects through thesnap-action switch means generally designated at 128 and through thelead 131i to the other terminal 132 of the initial-condition-selectingmotor 98.

The above, of course, causes the motor 98 to be energized in an oppositedirection from that previously described, which will rotate the worm1110 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in a leftward directionin FIG. 4, and this will, of course, cause the first contact mountingmeans 20 to 4be forcibly moved from its clockwise extreme position shownin fragmentary form in FIG. 3 toward its counter-clockwise extremeposition until it reaches same, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, where theactuating pin 115 strikes the operating element 134 of the previouslymentioned counter-clockwise limit switch means 128, which caused theoperation of the interior switch element thereof, shown in broken linesat 136, so as to cause it to break the connection of the power inputlead 36 to the motor energizing lead 130 and to instead connect theother parallel switching lead 133.

It will be noted that both of the alternately differentlypositionedsnap-action switches 106 and 124 and the similar alternately-positionedsnap-action microswitches comprising the end-of-movement limit switches114 and 12S are so connected to the electric circuit means 108 as to beready for repetition of the clockwise extreme movement of the firstcontact mounting means Ztl, followed by a counter-clockwise extrememovement thereof, and so on, for as many repetitions thereof as desired.

The important point to note is that then the first contact mount-means2d is in is first counter-clockwise extreme initial condition orposition as shown in FIGS. l, 2, and 4, lthe second electrical contactmeans 64 and the Contact members 58A of the first electrical contactmeans 53 are in rotatively aligned relationship with respect to eachother and in a certain longitudinal relationship with respect to eachother-in the example illustrated, in electrical engagement, although notspecifically so limited.

However, when the initial-condition-selecting motor means 96 is operatedby movement of the switch means 106 from one position to the other andthe first contact mounting means 26 rotatively moves in a clockwisedirection into the second clockwise extreme position shown in FIG. 3,said first and second electrical contact means 58 and 64 are in acompletely different relative initial position, both rotatively andlongitudinally. Rotatively speaking, the second contacts 64 arerotatively misaligned with the previously-mentioned contacts 558A of thefirst electrical contact means 58 but are now rotatively aligned withthe other pair of electrical contacts 525B of said rst electricalcontact means 5S but are longitudinally disengaged therefrom. Therefore,it will readily be understood that this has the effect of providing twodifferent relays in one structure since, in the first case, energizationof the main operating motor 62 will then cause disengagement of thefirst and second electrical contact means 553A and 64 while, in thesecond case, energization of the main operating motor means 62 will haveexactly the opposite effectthat is, it will cause engagement of thepreviously-disengaged first and second electrical contact means 58B and64.

Of course, for purposes of illustration, I have chosen a very simplearrangement of the first and second electrical contact means 58 and 64.Actually, they may vary in number according to need and some of them maybe initially engaged while others may be initially disengaged and, ifdesired, some of them may comprise an arrangement such that either of apair of cooperable contacts may be made longitudinally long enough so asto remain in engagement with the cooperating contact irrespective ofwhether the main operating motor 62 is energized or de-energized andalso various combinations of such arrangements are all within the broadscope of the present invention.

Additionally, it should be noted that only two differentinitial-condition-selection locations and pluralities of sets of thefirst electrical contacts means 58 corresponding thereto are illustratedin the exemplary first form of the invention. This is done for purposesof simplicity and convenience of illustration. However, it should benoted that virtually any desired number of suchinitial-condition-selection locations and corresponding contact means indifferent relationship to the other opposed engageable electricalcontacts may be employed within the broad scope of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate a slight modification of the invention wherein allparts, either identical to or structurally or functionally similar tocorresponding parts of the first form of the invention, are designatedby similar reference numerals, followed by the letter a, however.

In the modification of FIGS. 5-8, it will be noted that. theinitial-condition-selecting motor means is generally designated by thereference numeral 96a and is of substantially the same type as thatillustrated in the first form of the invention and generally designatedby the reference numeral 96. However, it does not rotate the firstcontact mounting means 20a, but instead rotates the second contactmounting means or plunger 42a between counterclockwise and clockwiseextreme initial conditions or positions whereby to bring about thefunctional equivalent of the relay of the first form of the invention.It will be noted that this is accomplished by mounting the worm gear orwheel 1li/ta is a keyed manner on the left end shaft 46a which has a key54a mounted in a key slot 56a in the worm wheel 104:1, thus allowing theshaft 46a and, of couse, the complete second contact mounting means orplunger 42a, to freely move longitudinally relative to the worm wheel10451, which is prevented from moving longitudinally by the U-shapedbracket 140 fastened to the left end wall 38a of the housing 36a.However, the Worm wheel 104:1 and the shaft 46a cannot rotate relativeto each other and, therefore, any driven rotation of the worm wheel 104eby the worm 100er will correspondingly rotate the entire second contactmounting means or plunger 42a between a counter-clockwise extremeinitial condition or position as shown in solid lines in FIG. 7, and aclockwise eXtreme initial condition and position as shown in solid linesin FIGS. 5 and 6, and as shown in .phantom in FIG. 7.

The contacts 58Aa and 58Ba of the first contact mounting means 58acarried by the inside surface 66a of the first contact mounting means20a are the same in this form of the invention as in the rst form of theinvention previously described in detail, and it will -be understoodthat rotation of the second contact mounting means or plunger 42abetween the counter-clockwise extreme position shown in solid lines inFIG. 7 and the clockwise extreme position shown in solid lines in FIGS.5 and 6 and in phantom in FIG. 7, will accomplish the same function asthe previously-described clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation of thefirst contact mounting means 20 of the first form of the inventionpreviously-described 1 1 in detail with respect to changing the initialengaged or disengaged relationship of the first and second electricalcontact means 64a and 58a when the main operating motor means I62a isdeenergized and for also changing said contact relationship when saidmain operating motor means 62a is energized.

It will be noted that the limit switch operating arm means 115a issubstantially the same as in the first form of the invention and thatthe two limit switches 114a and 128a are substantially the same. Also,it will be noted that the initial-condition-selecting motor means 96a isat the opposite end of the housing from the first form of the invention.However, functionally said elements are essentially the same as in thefirst form of the invention and no further detailed description thereofis thought necessary.

It should be noted that in the FIGS. 5-8, modification of the invention,the first contact mounting means a is not intended to rotate and,indeed, is intended to remain in a fixed relationship with respect tothe housing 36a. This may be accomplished in any of a variety of waysand, in the example illustrated, is accomplished by making the housing36a of substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration andmaking the first contact mounting means 20a of a similar rectangularcross-sectional configuration adapted to mount within the rectangularcross-sectional shape of the housing 36a in a non-rotative manner. Inthe example illustrated, said first contact mounting means 20a isprovided at each end and on each of the four sides thereof withoutwardly projecting shoulders 142 defining therebetween four recesses144, each receiving and mounting therein a curved leaf-type biasingspring 146 which is of fiat cross-sectional configuration and which isbowed and has the opposite ends thereof abutting the shoulders 142 whilethe remainder of the spring lies within the recess 144 positionedbetween said shoulders 142 in a manner such as to cause the outwardlybowed central portion of said leaf-type spring 146 to forciblyresiliently abut the inside surface of the corresponding top, bottom,and side walls 148 of the housing 36a in a normally resiliently centeredmanner with respect to the second mounting means or plunger 42a.However, this resilient mounting arrangement may be modifiedsubstantially or eliminated entirely in certain forms of the invention.

It should be noted that for purposes of Simplicity only two differentinitial condition locations have been illustrated and described,although in various different versions, in this present application.This `greatly simplifies the drawings and the description thereof andyet fully illustrates the basic principle and primary inventive conceptof the present invention, and it should -be clearly understood that thepresent invention may be modified to include virtually any desirednumber of such initial condition locations and corresponding sets, orplurality of sets, of correspondingly located contact members of thecontact carrying member adjusted by the initial-condition-selectingmeans whereby to provide a corresponding plurality of initial contactengagement or disengagement relationships with respect to the electricalcontacts of the other contact-carrying member, which is operated by themain operating motor means when the relay is energized or deenergized.Therefore, all such arrangements within the scope of the generic basicdescription of the primary inventive concept of the present inventionjust set forth are intended to be included and comprehended within thebroad scope of the present invention.

It should be clearly noted that the initial-conditionselecting meansgenerically referred to throughout this application may comprise anelectrically energizable motor means of any of the various differenttypes disclosed and/ or referred to in this application adapted to ybeenergized by electric circuit means and control switch means in any ofvarious manners such as those exemplified in this application, orvarious functional equivalents thereof, but saidinitial-condition-selecting means is not specifically limited thereto.Said initial-condition-selecting means or motor means may comprisevirtually any type of controllably operable motor means energizable byany suitable or convenient form of energy and, indeed, may even comprisea manually operable motor means adapted to be manually controllablyoperated for effecting the desired change of initial condition orposition of the corresponding contact mounting portion or means so as tochange the initial condition of cooperable electrical contact memberswith respect to the initial closed or open relationship thereof.

For example, with respect to the first exemplary version of theinvention illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the initialcondition-selecting motormeans indicated generally at 96 may be made manually operable by merelyremoving the reversible electric motor i8 and providing the exteriorportion of the motor shaft driving the worm with a manually graspablerotatable knob or crank so that it may be rotated in either directionfrom the exterior of the housing 36 whereby to accomplish theinitialcondition-selecting of the relationships of the first and secondelectrical contact means by rotating the outer or first contact carryingmeans 20 between either the' counter-clockwise extreme position thereofshown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 or the clockwise extreme position shown inFIG. 3 and doing so without requiring any exterior power source otherthan that provided by the operators hand.

With respect to the second version of the invention illustrated in FIGS.5-8, substantially the same type of modification as that referred toabove in connection with the first form of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1 4 may be employed for rendering the initial-conditionselectingmeans 96a manually operable. In other words, the motor 98a can beeliminated and the shaft carrying the worm ltla can be manually rotated.

In other words, in all of the forms of the invention, theinitial-condition-selecting motor means may be readily modified to bemanually operable, if desired, or to be operable by virtually anydesired type of powered motor means.

It should be noted that, preferably, the various elements of theinvention other than the electrical contact means, electricallyconductive members, terminals and leads, the biasing springs, thesolenoid coil, and the,

solenoid armature, are made of suitable electrical insulating materialsuch as molded plastic, rubber, or the like, although various othersuitable materials may be employed.

It should also be noted that the invention lends itself very well tosealed leak-tight construction for use where exposure of the contactsmight be undesirable or dangerous, such as in explosive atmospheres, orthe like, or where environmental conditions might tend to produce earlyfailure of operation of the relay. For example, if the relay were to beimmersed in sea water or were to be placed in any other substantiallyelectrically conductive medium, there might be a tendency for thecontacts to short out. However, the sealed form of the present inventionwould prevent this from occurring.

It should be understood that the figures and the specific descriptionthereof set forth in this application are for the purpose ofillustrating the present invention and are not to be construed aslimiting the present invention to the precise and detailed specificstructure shown in the gures and specifically described hereinbefore.Rather, the real invention is intended to include substantiallyequivalent constructions embodying the basic teachings and inventiveconcept of the present invention.

I claim:

ll. A sliding-action, multiple-contact, multiple-initial condition relayincluding apparatus for selecting and adjusting the initial relativepositioning of multiple contacts thereof, comprising: first contactmounting means normally positioned in a pre-determined location duringoperation of a relay; second contact mounting means normally movablypositioned closely adjacent to said first contact mounting means forslidable movement relative thereto during operation of the relay, saidfirst Contact mounting means having first electrical contact meanscarried thereby and directed toward said second contact mounting means,said second contact mounting means having second electrical contactmeans carried thereby and directed toward said first contact mountingmeans and having at least a portion thereof positioned for electricalengagement with a corresponding portion of said first electrical contactmeans when in a first relative contact position with respect to saidfirst contact mounting means and for electrical disengagement from saidcorresponding portion of said first electrical contact means when in asecond relative contact position with respect to said first contactmounting means; electrically energizable main operating motor meanseffectively interconnecting said first contact mounting means and saidsecond contact mounting means for causing main operating relativemovement thereof in one manner between said relative contact positionsin response to a change in electrical energization condition of saidmain operating motor means in one manner during operation of the relayand for causing main operating relative movement thereof in anothermanner between said relative contact positions in response to a changein electrical energization condition of said main operating motor meansin another manner during operation of the relay; and initial-condition-selecting motor means effectively interconnecting said secondcontact mounting means and said first contact mounting means for causinginitialconditionselecting relative movement thereof, and of said firstand second electrical contact means carried thereby, in one manner fromone initial relative contact position thereof to another differentinitial relative Contact position thereof in response to operation inone manner of said initialcondition-selecting motor means usually priorto normal operation of said main operating motor means and for causinginitial-condition-selecting relative movement thereof in another mannerbetween said different initial relative contact positions in response tooperation in another manner of said initial-condition-selecting motormeans usually prior to normal operation of said main operating motormeans; said initial-condition-selecting motor means comprisingelectrically energizable and deenergizable rotative-movement-producingreversible initialcondition-selecting motor means effectively connectedbetween said first contact mounting means and said second contactmounting means.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein saidrotative-movement-producing reversible initial-conditionselecting motormeans comprises rotative actuator means including a Worm and worm gear`power transmission means, and -an electric motor reversibly rotatingcoupled to the worm thereof, effectively connected between said firstcontact mounting means and said second contact mounting means.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including circuit means includinglimit switch means positioned at selected locations effectively in therotative path of relative movement produced by operation of saidinitial-conditionnelecting motor means in corresponding differentmanners CII for switch-operation thereof and consequent de-energizationof said initial-condition-selecting motor means when said first andsecond electrical contact means reach a corresponding selected one ofsaid initial relative Contact positions thereof.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including circuit means includinglimit switch means positioned -at opposite end-of-movement locationseffectively in the rotative path of relative movement produced byoperation of said initial-conditionselecting motor means incorresponding different manners for switch-operation thereof andconsequent deenergization of said initial-conditionselecting motor meanswhen said first and second electrical contact means reach acorresponding selected one of two diiferent initial relative contactpositions thereof.

S. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, including circuit means includinglimit switch means positioned at SC- lected locations effectively in therotative path of relative movement produced by operation of saidinitial-condition-selecting motor means in corresponding differentmanners for switchoperation thereof and consequent deenergization ofsaid initial-condition-selecting motor means when said first and secondelectrical contact means reach a corresponding selected one of saidinitial relative contact positions thereof.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, including circuit means includinglimit switch means positioned at opposite end-of-movement locationseffectively in the rotative path of relative movement produced byoperation of said initial-condition-selecting motor means incorresponding different manners for switch-operation thereof andc0nsequent deenergization of said initial-condition-selecting motormeans when said first and second electrical Contact means reach acorresponding selected one of two different initial relative contactpositions thereof.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including housing means movablycarrying said first and second contact mounting means and provided withrotative-movement immobilizing means longitudinally slidably couplingsaid housing means with respect to said second Contact mounting means.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, including housing means movablycarrying said rst and second Contact mounting means and provided withrotative-movement immobilizing means longitudinally slidably couplingsaid housing means with respect to said second contact mounting means.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including housing means movablycarrying said second contact mounting means and rotatively andlongitudinally immovably carrying said first contact mounting means.

1l). Apparatus as defined in `claim 2, including housing means movablycarrying said second contact mounting means and rotatively andlongitudinally immovably carrying said first contact mounting means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,053,951 9/1962 Poinsot et al.335-72 3,211,154 10/1965 Becker et al. 200-16 BERNARD A. GILHEANY,Primary Examinez'. H. BROOME, Assistant Examiner.

1. A SLIDING-ACTION, MULTIPLE-CONTACT, MULTIPLE-INITIAL CONDITION RELAYINCLUDING APPARATUS FOR SELECTING AND ADJUSTING THE INITIAL RELATIVEPOSITIONING OF MULTIPLE CONTACTS THEREOF, COMPRISING: FIRST CONTACTMOUNTING MEANS NORMALLY POSITIONED IN A PRE-DETERMINED LOCATION DURINGOPERATION OF A RELAY; SECOND CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS NORMALLY MOVABLYPOSITIONED CLOSELY ADJACENT TO SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS FORSLIDABLE MOVEMENT RELATIVE THERETO DURING OPERATION OF THE RELAY, SAIDFIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS HAVING FIRST ELECTRICAL CONTACT MEANSCARRIED THEREBY AND DIRECTED TOWARD SAID SECOND CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS,SAID SECOND CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS HAVING SECOND ELECTRICAL CONTACTMEANS CARRIED THEREBY AND DIRECTED TOWARD SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTINGMEANS AND HAVING AT LEAST A PORTION THEREOF POSITIONED FOR ELECTRICALENGAGEMENT WITH A CORRESPONDING PORTION OF SAID FIRST ELECTRICAL CONTACTMEANS WHEN IN A FIRST RELATIVE CONTACT POSITION WITH RESPECT TO SAIDFIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS AND FOR ELECTRICAL DISENGAGEMENT FROM SAIDCORRESPONDING PORTION OF SAID FIRST ELECTRICAL CONTACT MEANS WHEN IN ASECOND RELATIVE CONTACT POSITION WITH RESPECT TO SAID FIRST CONTACTMOUNTING MEANS; ELECTRICALLY ENERGIZABLE MAIN OPERATING MOTOR MEANSEFFECTIVELY INTERCONNECTING SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS AND SAIDSECOND CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS FOR CAUSING MAIN OPERATING RELATIVEMOVEMENT THEREOF IN ONE MANNER BETWEEN SAID RELATIVE CONTACT POSITIONSIN RESPONSE TO A CHANGE IN ELECTRICAL ENERGIZATION CONDITION OF SAIDMAIN OPERATING MOTOR MEANS IN ONE MANNER DURING OPERATION OF THE RELAYAND FOR CAUSING MAIN OPERATING RELATIVE MOVEMENT THEREOF IN ANOTHERMANNER BETWEEN SAID RELATIVE CONTACT POSITIONS IN RESPONSE TO A CHANGEIN ELECTRICAL ENERGIZATION CONDITION OF SAID MAIN OPERATING MOTOR MEANSIN ANOTHER MANNER DURING OPERATION OF THE RELAY; ANDINITIAL-CONDITION-SELECTING MOTOR MEANS EFFECTIVELY INTERCONNECTING SAIDSECOND CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS AND SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS FORCAUSING INITIAL-CONDITION-SELECTING RELATIVE MOVEMENT THEREOF, AND OFSAID FIRST AND SECOND ELECTRICAL CONTACT MEANS CARRIED THEREBY, IN ONEMANNER FROM ONE INITIAL RELATIVE CONTACT POSITION THEREOF TO ANOTHERDIFFERENT INITIAL RELATIVE CONTACT POSITION THEREOF IN RESPONSE TOOPERATION IN ONE MANNER OF SAID INITIALCONDITION-SELECTING MOTOR MEANSUSUALLY PRIOR TO NORMAL OPERATION OF SAID MAIN OPERATING MOTOR MEANS ANDFOR CAUSING INITIAL-CONDITION-SELECTING RELATIVE MOVEMENT THEREOF INANOTHER MANNER BETWEEN SAID DIFFERENT INITIAL RELATIVE CONTACT POSITIONSIN RESPONSE TO OPERATION IN ANOTHER MANNER OF SAIDINITIAL-CONDITION-SELECTING MOTOR MEANS USUALLY PRIOR TO NORMALOPERATION OF SAID MAIN OPERATING MOTOR MEANS; SAIDINITIAL-CONDITION-SELECTING MOTOR MEANS COMPRISING ELECTRICALLYENERGIZABLE AND DEENERGIZABLE ROTATIVE-MOVEMENT-PRODUCING REVERSIBLEINITIALCONDITION-SELECTING MOTOR MEANS EFFECTIVELY CONNECTED BETWEENSAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS AND SAID SECOND CONTACT MOUNTINGMEANS.